Marlboro Mayor Speaks Out After Alleged Anti-Muslim Incident

MARLBORO, NJ — In a letter sent to residents, Marlboro Mayor Jonathan Hornik praised Marlboro's diversity and spoke out against "the demonstration of hate based on this same diversity."

Although he didn't mention any specific events, Hornik appeared to be referencing an incident alleged to have taken place at a gas station last week.

"On November 8th our country chose our next President, and while our constitution gives our citizens the right to peacefully make their feelings known, it is with determination and without equivocation that I declare that expressions of bias or intolerance are not welcome in this community," Hornik said in the letter (you can read the full letter at the bottom of this article). "Furthermore, let it be clear that any crimes committed in this regard will be prosecuted under the fullest extent of the law."

A Marlboro resident posted in a community Facebook group a story told to them by a neighbor, which commenters brought to the attention of the mayor's office. The post, dated Nov. 11, read in full:

Good Afternoon Marlboro neighbors! One of our neighbors was filling up at Costco gas station (Texas Rd) this morning and was approached by somebody walking upto his car, behind him, asking him in a cold and firm voice if he was a muslim? This person asked why would it matter? Upon being asked firmly again, instinctively he responded that he wasn't and the other person questioning walked away to his car, stopped filling up and drove away. This person is badly shaken by this experience.I hope we don't hear any of such events again. Is it wise to report it to Mayor's or the Police?

The poster later commented, saying he called the police department and asked what he should do if a similar situation were to occur again. He said police told him to call 911 and record any important details, such as location and what the person looked like. The police department confirmed this phone call took place.

As of Monday, the neighbor described in the above post had not contacted the Marlboro Police Department to file a report, Captain Fred Reck said.

"It makes it difficult for us to conduct any sort of investigation without speaking to the actual victim," Reck told Patch. "Keeping that in mind, we (as a police department) have to respect the rights of every victim and their wish to remain silent if they so desire." He said no one else had made any similar reports.

Hornik asked that residents speak up when they see discrimination happening and to report anything that rises to a criminal level, such as graffiti or verbal or physical incidents.

"Immediately, call the Marlboro Police at 732-536-0100. Should you wish to report an incident anonymously, call the Marlboro Tip Line at 888-536-1010," Hornik wrote. "If you feel that your own safety, or the public’s safety, is at risk, get to a safe place and dial 911."

He also reminded residents that Marlboro's Ninth Annual Multi-Cultural Day is fast approaching and described it as "an opportunity to demonstrate that we as a community stand together."

Image via Marlboro Township